CASTLE HILL LIMESTONE RESERVE

Discover the unique limestone rock formations at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill Limestone Reserve with breathtaking scenery and mountain ranges. The rocks take on many shapes from tabletops to pillars and with imagination some appear as familiar animal shapes. You can wander around the rocks, and crawl through mini tunnels and arches probably chiseled by glaciers millions of years ago. The history of the area is interesting. The first known settlers of the South Island, the Waitaha, were thought to have used the area for shelter on their food gathering expeditions. Originally covered in Beech Forest, the area was a great hunting ground for the Maori. Breath-taking scenery is at every turn, and you can spend as much or as little time as you like exploring the reserve. Highlights include rock formations created over 300 million years ago. This is also an excellent destination for a family with children. See the Department of Conservation for further information: www.doc.govt.nz

TRACK STATISTICS

Starts: Just over one hour from Christchurch on State Highway 73 towards Arthur’s Pass. Castle Hill Limestone Reserve / Kura Tawhiti is clearly marked on the left in the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve area. Leaving the car park clearly signposted on State Highway 73, walk along a gravel path for about 10 minutes to reach the foothills and the limestone rocks. This path is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. At the end of the gravel path a series of grass trails lead up to the rocks in different directions.

Intensity: Walking track–suitable for all fitness levels.

Facilities: Toilets at the car park Arthur’s Pass Village is 45 minutes further west on the highway. There are cafes, a store, petrol and a DOC Visitor Centre with information on the area and Arthur’s Pass National Park.